Alcohol Concern Cymru report

Responding to the publication today of a report by Alcohol Concern Cymru that the claims an excessive focus on young people’s drinking s leading us to overlook the pressing issue of alcohol consumption by older people, Age Cymru’s Health Initiatives Officer Rhian Pearce says:

“Alcohol abuse is a problem for people of all ages, but it is more likely to go unrecognised among older people, with an estimated 1 in 6 older men, and 1 in 15 older women drinking enough to harm themselves.

“About a third of older people with drinking problems develop them in later life and they may struggle to access help for this issue.

“Age Cymru supports this report and wants to see health professionals appropriately trained to identify drinking problems in older people.

“The Welsh Government also needs to support alcohol treatment services that are suitable for older people.”